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Lauren Baker, a crime scene cleaner, recalls her first day on the job, describing the overwhelming scent of death that lingered with her long after she had cleaned the scene. Despite her efforts to wash it away with Dettol, the smell remained etched in her memory.

Her role begins after the police and forensic teams have completed their investigations, and it involves confronting various hazards while cleaning up after crimes. The challenges she faces are immense, as she deals with blood, filth, and other hazardous materials.

The Emotional Toll of Cleaning Crime Scenes

Lauren's job is particularly challenging as she often cleans locations where individuals have died alone, sometimes without anyone knowing. The emotional burden can be heavy, with some crime scenes haunting her thoughts for days.

She shares that the most difficult scenes to clean are those involving suicides. One incident stands out in her memory: a man left a note on his door stating, 'Do not enter. Call 999. There is a body inside.' He had also left envelopes filled with money and letters for his family.

Understanding the Scent of Death

When asked about the scent of death, Lauren finds it hard to articulate. She describes it as a unique odor, and while she wears strong masks to mitigate the smell, she still applies Vicks under her nose for extra protection.

On her first day, the scent was so pervasive that it affected her deeply, leading her to shower multiple times in an attempt to rid herself of it.

Safety Measures and Precautions

To ensure her safety, Lauren dons full personal protective equipment (PPE), including disposable suits, masks, and gloves. This gear protects her from blood and other dangerous substances. Additionally, she must stay up-to-date with vaccinations and be cautious of needles that may be found at crime scenes.

Beyond Crime Scenes: A Broader Mission

Lauren's work extends beyond cleaning crime scenes; she also tackles hoarding situations and homes affected by mental health issues. She has encountered homes filled with boxes of food and others where individuals resort to using bottles due to non-functional toilets.

After cleaning a crime scene, she performs a ritual to symbolically release the spirit of the deceased by opening the windows of the home. Despite the challenges, Lauren finds fulfillment in her work. Before becoming a crime scene cleaner, she worked in a pub and as a caregiver. A documentary about her life was released on June 30.